The Patch
What is the patch?
The patch is a small, thin, beige coloured patch, nearly 5cm x 5cm in size. You stick it on your skin and it releases two hormones – oestrogen and progestogen.
It works in the same way as the combined pill.
How effective is it?
99%
Advantages
- You only have to remember to change the patch once a week
- It’s easy to use
- Unlike the pill, the hormones do not need to be absorbed by the stomach, so the patch is not affected if you vomit or have diarrhoea
Disadvantages
- It can be seen
- It may cause skin irritation in some women.
- It may increase your blood pressure.
- It doesn’t protect you against STIs
